To honor Black History Month, the Department of Local Services traveled to Skyway, an unincorporated community that’s home to the largest percentage of black community members in the state. 

The event was an opportunity to celebrate figures and leaders whose impact is felt today. That included recognizing King County Councilmember Rhonda Lewis – the first black woman to serve on the County Council, as well as Civil Rights-era icon and longtime former Councilmember Larry Gossett. 

Community leaders were there to showcase the powerful impact of their organizations and programs, thanks in part to more than $9.5 million worth of public investments in Skyway through the Participatory Budgeting program. 

More than 100 people attended the event at the Skyway Resource Center – itself a community resource that was supported by Participatory Budgeting and where the Department of Local Services, Public Health – Seattle & King County and other agencies have offices.  

Today serves as a powerful testament to the transformative impact Participatory Budgeting has had on our beloved Skyway community. Witnessing the tangible results of these investments across the neighborhood is truly inspiring and affirms that Skyway is moving in the right direction. Through continued investment in community-led programs and projects, we are steadily advancing toward a future where all residents have access to meaningful opportunities while intentionally working to close long-standing equity gaps. Equally inspiring is the ecosystem of collaboration that has emerged—community members, organizations, and leaders coming together with a shared commitment to serve and uplift Skyway residents. The partnerships and collective effort built through this process are a reflection of the community’s strength and resilience. We must continue to build on this momentum and remain committed to moving Skyway forward. – Gloria Briggs, Participatory Budgeting Manager

The celebration began with Sariah Ling of Acts on Stage – one of the many community programs in Skyway that Participatory Budgeting has supported – serenading the room with her rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” 

It also featured a spoken-word performance from Nebi, a Dimmitt Middle School student and member of Speak with Purpose, another community program supported by King County. 

Representatives from several organizations supported by Participatory Budgeting offered testimonials of its impact: 

  • LaTanya Horace DuBois – The Silent Task Force 
  • Cherryl Jackson-William – Dare 2 Be 
  • Rebecca Zapata – Skyway Coalition 
  • Nicole Franklin – PEARi 
  • Debbie Wilson – Fresh Family / Building Futures 
  • Eddie Edwards – Personal Touch Barbershop 
  • Lamar Thompson – Aisle4OUR 
  • Angie Mosley  – Double Dutch Divas 

Attendees then joined a walking tour of projects that have received Participatory Budgeting funds, including the Skyway Laundromat, Flyabove Athletics and Nurturing Roots at Nomad Boxing Club, and the future Black Panther Park. 

The day ended with a visit to The Task House, the permanent home of The Silent Task Force community resource group whose property acquisition was funded through Participatory Budgeting. 

(Watch the video for highlights of the celebration)